Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.
DEUTERONOMY 9:7KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 9:7 mean?
Deuteronomy 9:7 tells the Israelites to remember, and not forget, how they angered the LORD their God in the wilderness by being rebellious from the time they left Egypt until they reached their current location. The verse highlights the people's ongoing disobedience toward God during their journey.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. He reminds them of their history since leaving Egypt, emphasizing that their relationship with God has been marked by repeated acts of rebellion. The verse sets the stage for Moses to explain why God’s favor is not based on Israel’s righteousness, but on God’s own promises and mercy.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 9:7
- "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar, H2142) and "forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach, H7911) are paired to stress the importance of actively keeping past failures in mind, not just passively letting them slip away.
- "Rebellious" (מָרָה, marah, H4784) means more than just making mistakes; it carries the sense of stubborn resistance or defiance against authority, highlighting the seriousness of Israel’s actions.
- "Wrath" (קָצַף, qatsaph, H7107) refers to a strong anger, especially in response to provocation, showing that God’s reaction was not minor irritation but a deeply offended response to their behavior.
- "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar, H4057) refers to the desert area where Israel wandered, reminding the reader of the hardships and testing that took place during that period.
Why Deuteronomy 9:7 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that Israel’s journey was marked by constant faithfulness; instead, it stresses a pattern of rebellion that Moses wants them to remember.
- Deuteronomy 9:7 emphasizes that God’s relationship with Israel is not based on their goodness but on His faithfulness, which is a key theme in the surrounding chapters.
- The reminder to "remember and not forget" sets a tone for honest self-reflection, urging the people to approach God with humility rather than pride as they move forward.